
Acupuncture can affect the immune system in multiple different ways by having a direct impact on our immune cells.
This direct impact helps reduce stress and over-stimulation of cortisol, which is the primary stress hormone. Studies have looked at the immune-boosting effects of acupuncture by looking at various immune cells before and after treatment. People receiving acupuncture showed:
- increased antibody production
- increased CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes
- increased NK cell activity
Immune cells help us do everything from fighting off bacteria and viruses to identifying and removing cancer cells.
These days it’s hard to find balance in our lives, between the pandemic, stress at work, and interpersonal stress between family members, friends, or coworkers. If we don’t handle our stress well, it can also weaken our immune systems. Acupuncture is an effective way to help you:
- return to balance
- tone down your sympathetic (fight or flight) nervous system
- turn up your parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous system
Many people fall asleep during the treatment; it helps you enter a truly relaxed state.
A balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems is key to optimal immune performance.
We need the energy to get things done, to focus, and handle every kind of stress that the body has to deal with, including fighting off illness and recovering from chronic illness. We also need to be able to transition to relaxation, to spend time with friends and family, to fall asleep every night without having our mind and body churning with our thoughts and worries. Acupuncture is a key tool to balancing these 2 important parts of your nervous system.
At Interactive Health Clinic we offer cutting-edge treatments with expert care. Dr. Sullivan is an expert in utilizing acupuncture to stimulate balance in your immune system.
To schedule your appointment with Dr. Sullivan at our Interactive Health Clinic, please give us a call at (425) 361-7945.